7 Ways to Ease Into the Cooler Season With Lupus

Crisp breezes, falling leaves, and beautiful snowflakes are often a welcoming time of year but for those of us with lupus we can feel the aches and pain of the seasonal changes. The cooler air can cause stiff and painful joints among other things. Here are a few simple tips to help ease into this cooler time of season.

1. Hand warmers are amazing for this time of year. I like to wear mine through the cooler months to help prevent the cold setting in and causing those unwanted pains. HotHands hand warmers are amazing, especially if you have an outdoor event you’d like to attend such as going to the pumpkin patch with the family. I like to put them in my hand warmers, pants pockets, and if it’s extremely chilly I will even put them in my socks!

2. Infinity scarves have become my best friend this time of year. Being able to keep any cool air from entering into my shirt or on my neck tends to help keep my body temperature regulated, not to mention they look adorable which is always a plus.

3. Warm beverages throughout the day are a great way to help keep yourself hydrated as well as keep your body warm. Warm tea or a cup of cocoa is always comforting during the cooler months.

4. Always have extra blankets or clothes on hand. We may think we are adequately dressed until we get to a friend’s house or a shopping mall and realize we are freezing. Temperatures fluctuate dramatically from store to store or house to house, so always have a winter survival kit of clothes and blankets in your car handy.

5. A portable heater (used safely and properly) is essential when you have Raynaud’s disease to help keep your fingers and toes nice and toasty on those extremely cold days. Personally I have bouts of extremely cold hands and feet and just a few minutes in front of the portable heater can definitely do the trick to warm them right up.

6. Electric blankets at night are a great trick, or even during the day. It’s like have a heating pad on all your joints and can feel amazing with some relief from the stiff joints.

7. Keep your skin hydrated! Many people with lupus and other autoimmune diseases can suffer from very dry skin, especially in the cooler months. Running a humidifier can help keep humidity in your home, and always apply lotions after showering and before bed.

The fall and winter months can definitely be a challenge but they don’t have to make you miss out on all the festivities. I hope some of my tips can help you enjoy the cooler months a little more comfortably.